Unprecedented crackdown on freedom of expression in Malaysia
In less than 50 days since the start of 2015, Malaysian police have detained or investigated at least 23 individuals in relation to statements that they have made.
Cartoonist Zunar arrested in crackdown on dissent following politician’s trial
A concerted effort to control the discussion “However the Federal Court decided, discussion regarding the Anwar case and the independence of the judiciary would have been inevitable, given the strong interest in the case . . . Shutting down such discussions and questions is not the way to move forward from here. If the police […]
Police raid Malaysian cartoonist’s office, confiscate books
While Malaysian cartoonist Zunar was out of the country, police questioned his and confiscated 155 copies of two of his books. Zunar tweeted that the police action was made under the Printing Presses and Publication Act and the Sedition Act.
Sentence against Malaysian blogger “disproportionately harsh”
As freedom of expression is an important component of a democracy and of accountable government, it is worrying that the authorities frequently respond immediately with prosecution and the framing of speech that they disagree with as criminal in nature, says CIJ.
Malaysia urged to release lawyer, abolish Sedition Act
The Sedition Act is being utilised in an investigation against Malaysian lawyer Eric Paulsen, who published a tweet calling on the government to take extremism seriously and accusing the Malaysian Islamic Development Department of promoting extremism through its Friday sermons.
Radio station presenters face investigation under Malaysia’s Sedition Act
The most recent persons to be investigated under Malaysia’s draconian Sedition Act are five presenters from radio station Business FM 89.9 (BFM), against whom police reports have been made, reportedly in relation to discussions on air with regard to Islam.
Malaysian cartoonist Zunar battling new sedition charge
The Malaysian government has expanded its efforts to silence Kuala Lumpur-based cartoonist Zunar, also going after his webmaster, assistants and online customers.
Malaysia urged to repeal Sedition Act, not implement registration of Internet users
CIJ views with incredulity the suggestion by a government minister for all social media users to register with the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC). Aside from such registration creating huge bureaucratic, administrative and technological challenges, it will also constitute an infringement of free expression.
Concern over harsh fine, criminal punishment of Malaysian man accused of insulting police
CIJ certainly does not condone Malaysian police officers being labelled with derogatory terms. Nevertheless, not all name-calling, or insults, should result in criminal punishment. To do so would seriously threaten freedom of expression as all manner of speech, including comments that are legitimate and necessary for democracy and accountability, would be stifled.
Malaysian political cartoonist harassed anew; Turkish cartoonist exonerated
One month after winning an appeal against government censorship of two of his cartoon collections, Malaysian political cartoonist Zunar finds his work being banned and confiscated anew.
Court victory for transgender rights: Malaysians can express themselves as they wish
By rejecting a ban on cross-dressing and upholding the constitution over a discriminatory state law, the court is saying all Malaysians can express themselves as the people they want to be.
Hindu deity complaints further demonstrate need for Sedition Act repeal in Malaysia
CIJ finds the call for a water bottling company to be investigated under the Sedition Act, for featuring pictures of the popular Malaysian tourist destination Batu Caves, both worrying and farcical.
Banning opposition leader from Malaysian university demonstrates lack of academic freedom
CIJ is concerned with the measures taken by Universiti Malaya to ban and stop an event planned by the Student Council, during which Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim was scheduled to speak.
Transgender people under threat in Malaysia for their self expression
The Malaysian government should urgently seek the repeal of all laws and regulations that discriminate against transgender people, Human Rights Watch said in a new report. Transgender people risk arrest simply because of the way they express themselves.
UN urged to protect Malaysia’s minority voices
During the 27th Session of the UN Human Rights Council, Ireland, together with other countries, will table a resolution to protect civil society space. The realisation of this resolution will lend much needed support to Malaysian civil society at a time when democratic space is rapidly deteriorating in the country.
Despite talk of reform, sedition charges and threats against Malaysian media
A sedition investigation against a reporter and threatening remarks by the home minister indicate a backtracking of Malaysia’s commitment to a “strong and vibrant media”.